Merry Xmas

Most of us, at least at one time or another, have cherished the arrival of Xmas Day, the one day of the year when every problem, worry, or fear is set aside while we enjoy the comforts and pleasures of family and commercialism combined. A day when all of our self-indulgent desires are often fulfilled. As children, many of us were buried in piles of toys and other gifts beyond belief, and some that we'd never actually use or play with. Unfittingly, the weather had taken a turn towards spring over the past two days (Xmas Eve & Xmas Day). Not only did our warming trend continue, but it also began to rain steadily and heavily ridding our lawns and drives of all but the most stubborn piles of snow. But still it was Christmas. And this Christmas was a new experience for me. I shared it in its entirety, except for a brief hour or two, with the new love of my life. I woke Xmas morning with Mindy at my side sometime around 7am. Her children were still sleeping so I asked if she'd mind if I went about my morning exercises then a Xmas run. After all, I didn't want to delay their tearing into Santa's bounty. Mindy thought that was a terrific idea. So, I jumped to my feet, brushed my teeth, pee'd exercised, grabbed a quick swig of coffee and hit the running trail. I hadn't run in Mindy's subdivision before but had scoped out a potential path a couple weeks prior. My Xmas morning trek took me through two adjoining subdivisions then ultimately through Heritage Lakes Estates which is a golf course community of some very nice upper end homes. The weather was mild and rainy, yet there were still several slick spots on the concrete trails. I had to watch my footing carefully. Good run! Back at Mindy's, the kids were just waking up and readying to open their gifts. Jacob had actually been up for sometime but waited patiently for his little sister, Bella to wake naturally. I don't know that I would've been so patient as a youngster. I would've woke my siblings with a hammer if necessary in order to get to the gifts left behind by the great red one! The kids began tearing into their individual piles with great pleasure, yet tempered with a little motherly organization (Mindy does a good job of that). In the end, it took them about 1/2 an hour to open all their gifts. Then, lovingly, they presented their mother with her gifts from them. It was a very touching moment! Once everyone was done opening gifts we settled down at the breakfast table for some of Mindy's breakfast casserole prepared the night prior. It was delicious! Soon I was readying to head home to walk Sparky and deep fry a batch of sauerkraut balls that I was planning to take to Mindy's mother's later in the afternoon. At the same time Mindy was getting the kids and herself ready for Xmas morning mass. We were all out of the house by 10am. At home the house was fittingly quiet, and there were still remnants from the Xmas celebration the day prior. I quickly grabbed Ykraps leash and went about taking him on his Xmas morning walk. He hadn't made much to-do over the holiday, and quite honestly, I didn't think that he even knew it was Xmas, but while on our walk it became abundantly clear that he knew it was Xmas. Ykraps made some Xmas tree do-do piles, complete with reds and greens. I thought to myself that he must have stayed up all night eating the crayons to create such a display. How thoughtful! Back at home I systematically prepared the coating for the sauerkraut balls: flour, egg, and bread crumbs, and then fired up the Fry Pappy. I was able to roll another 30 out of the original batch. About an hour later, I was done, and they looked and tasted fabulous. I then showered and loaded my Trooper bound for Mindy's mother's. In route to Mindy's mom's, I called my own mother to wish her well and to spread a little Jimmy Xmas cheer. She was having her sister Linda and her brother Chuck over for Xmas dinner. I arrived at Gloria's after just a few short minutes. Mindy greeted me at the door and lead me downstairs where her family was gathered around and going about their traditional gift exchange. Gloria had an entire room set up for all the food and there was plenty of it. I only added to the existing bounty with my famous sauerkraut balls and two varieties of cheesecake; one with walnuts and the other without. I like the way they go about their gift exchange. They isolate one individual that opens all their gifts from everyone. That way everyone witnesses all others rather than one big gift opening frenzy. This had gone on for a while prior to my arrival and continued at least an hour after I arrived. It was very nice and lots of fun. In fact, Mindy's family is always fun to be around. We went about the task of eating all through the afternoon. No one was going to go hungry. There was something to please even the most discriminating palette. As the afternoon turned to evening everyone gathered upstairs at the dinner table for some of the Thompson family's traditional Ice Box cookie cake ( just what we all needed - more dessert!) :) The treat was good! After filling our bellies it was time to begin loading Mindy's van with their Xmas haul, and what a haul it was. We literally filled her van from head to toe with Xmas gifts. After a half an hour of loading up, we were on our way. I had made arrangements to spend another evening with my princess. We had had such a nice weekend together I saw no reason to end it now. So, in route to Mindy's I made a pit stop at home to once again walk Ykraps.and to grab my over night bag. I arrived at Mindy's just prior to the Viking Game kick-off. I was somewhat anxious to see my team on TV Xmas night. Sadly, however, they ended up losing the game and kissing any hope of a post season birth good-bye. Maybe next year! At midnight or so I found my way to Mindy's bed and fell quickly asleep.